Latest news with #Pakistan-backed
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Business Standard
6 hours ago
- Politics
- Business Standard
Govt to impose restrictions on Indian teams' international play under bill
The central government will have the power to "impose reasonable restrictions" on the international participation of Indian teams and individual athletes under "extraordinary circumstances", as per the National Sports Governance Bill that was tabled in Lok Sabha on Wednesday. Covered in the clause on "Power to issue directions and impose restrictions in national interest," it clarifies a grey area on participation that often crops up with regards to arch foes Pakistan. "The Central Government may, by an order, impose reasonable restrictions on the participation of any national team of a concerned sport in international sports competitions or participation of any individual in the activities of the national sports, under extraordinary circumstances and in the national interest," states the bill, which will become an act only after being passed in both houses of the Parliament followed by President's ascent. The question of allowing an Indian team to compete in an international event mostly comes up when Pakistan is involved. The government policy has been clear for several years -- no bar on participation if it's a multi-lateral event but bilaterals are "out of question." This has been the position since the 2008 Mumbai terror attack in which over 150 people were killed by Pakistan-backed terrorists. "This is an important step to ensure that the government has clear command on such decisions. Whenever national interest is involved, it's the government which faces the questions and it is only fair that it has the final say," a sports ministry source told PTI. The two neighbours' relationship nose-dived further after the Pahalgam terror attack this year in April in which 26 tourists were gunned down leading to a brief military showdown that ended on Pakistan's request for a ceasefire. The two countries have, however, engaged with each other in multilateral events even after Pahalgam as India is a member of the International Olympic Committee, whose charter bars any discrimination based on politics. India has also cleared the decks for Pakistan's entry to the country for international events like hockey's Asia Cup next month and the junior shooting World Cup later this year to remain compliant with the Olympic Charter. Compliance with the Charter is a must to land hosting rights of big events and India is gunning for the 2036 Olympic Games. Other discretionary powers Besides this, the central government will also have the final say on the relaxation of the clauses of the act, including the cap of number of Executive Committee members in national sports bodies, currently capped at 15. The sports ministry has assured that in case the international statutes differ from the provisions of the bill, the former will "take primacy". However, the final call on this will also be in the hands of the government after due consultation with the National Sports Board, which will have powers to recognise or de-recognise national federations. "...the Central Government may, after consulting the Board and the concerned International Sports Body as may be deemed necessary, issue a clarificatory notification in this regard," the bill states.
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First Post
18 hours ago
- Politics
- First Post
India extends ban on Pakistani aircraft citing post-Sindoor security protocols, issues new Notam
India has extended its ban on Pakistani aircraft entering Indian airspace till August 23, 2025, amid heightened border tensions and ongoing security concerns. The move comes alongside a fresh airspace alert ahead of a major Indian Air Force drill near the Pakistan border. read more India has extended its ban on Pakistani aircraft entering Indian airspace until August 23, 2025, citing security reasons. A fresh Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) was issued on Tuesday, regarding the decision. Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Murlidhar Mohol, confirmed the extension on X, stating that it aligns with ongoing strategic and security considerations. The move comes after Pakistan recently prolonged its own ban on Indian flights through its airspace. The Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) announced that the restriction for Indian carriers will remain in effect until 5:19 am (IST) on August 24. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Meanwhile, India has also issued a NOTAM for a major Indian Air Force (IAF) exercise scheduled between July 23 and 25 in Rajasthan, along the India–Pakistan border. The drill will span regions from Barmer to Jodhpur. The recent NOTAM restricting civilian flights comes in the wake of increased tensions along the India–Pakistan border, following Pakistan's drone and missile intrusions during Operation Sindoor. The Pakistani attacks had targeted Rajasthan's border districts — Barmer, Jaisalmer, Bikaner, and Sri Ganganagar. India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7 in response to a deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, where 26 civilians were killed by Pakistan-backed terrorists. A NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) is typically issued to clear specific airspace of civilian aircraft during military operations. Such notices were also issued during previous periods of heightened conflict with Pakistan to prevent any commercial aircraft from entering potential conflict zones — a precaution to avoid civilian casualties during aerial engagements.
NDTV
a day ago
- Politics
- NDTV
"Mistake...": Maharashtra Goes To Top Court Against Train Blasts Acquittals
The Maharashtra government has filed an appeal in the Supreme Court challenging yesterday's Bombay High Court's decision to acquit 12 persons who were accused in the 2006 Mumbai train blasts. The plea was mentioned on Tuesday before a bench led by Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai by Solicitor General of India (SGI) Tushar Mehta, who requested that the plea be taken up urgently by the top court. The Court listed the matter for hearing on Thursday. Nineteen years after seven train blasts that killed more than 180 persons, the high court on Monday acquitted all the 12 accused, saying the prosecution utterly failed to prove the case and it was "hard to believe the accused committed the crime". The Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), said the high court, failed to prove the offences beyond a reasonable doubt. The high court set aside a September 2015 judgment of the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crimes Act (MCOCA) court that had imposed the death penalty on 5 of the 12 accused persons and had sentenced the remaining 7 to life. In its damning indictment of the prosecution's case, the high court declared all confessional statements of the accused as inadmissible and suggested "copying". The Maharashtra government argued in its petition that the high court has recorded a "very peculiar observation in disbelieving the confession" of the fifth accused. The government has called it a mistake to not trust the important evidence on the recovery of RDX and detonator. "The High Court has disbelieved the recovery of 500 gms of RDX from Accused No 1on a hyper technical ground that the RDX which was seized was not sealed with a lac seal. It is worth noting that it was not sealed with Lac because RDX is a flammable high court has erred in disbelieving the recovery of RDX," said the government in its petition. Investigators said the bombs, made of RDX and ammonium nitrate, were placed inside pressure cookers and concealed in bags. The attacks were attributed to Pakistan-backed Islamic militants. The High Court, argued the state government, has committed a grave error in not accepting the arguments advanced by the trial court for sentencing the accused. "It has erred in acquitting the accused of all the charges including the UAPA," it said. The Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) filed charges under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). The prosecution relied heavily on confessions, alleged recoveries, and circumstantial evidence - none of which stood up under the high court's scrutiny. "It is necessary to see that the accused were continuously engaged in activities prohibited by law, which are cognizable offences punishable with imprisonment for 3 years or more and in respect of which more than one charge sheet has to be filed in the competent court within the preceding period of 10 years and which have been tried by the competent court cognizance should have been taken," it said. Former Mumbai police commissioner A N Roy today expressed shock over the high court's acquittal of all 12 accused in the case, saying the probe into the case was conducted by the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) in a professional manner where evidence was collected "honestly and truthfully". On the evening of July 11, 2006, bomb blasts took place at seven different places in the Mumbai local trains within just 11 minutes. In this incident, 189 people died, while more than 827 passengers were injured. The bombs were placed in first-class compartments of trains from Churchgate. They exploded near the stations of Matunga Road, Mahim Junction, Bandra, Khar, Jogeshwari, Bhayandar, and Borivali. A trial court in 2015 convicted 12 people in the blasts' case.
India.com
2 days ago
- Politics
- India.com
Amarnath Yatra 2025 Sees Massive Turnout: Over 3.21 Lakh Pilgrims Complete Darshan Amid Tight Security
Over 3.21 lakh devotees have undertaken the ongoing Amarnath Yatra in the last 19 days since it commenced on July 3, as another batch of 3,536 pilgrims left Jammu for Kashmir on Tuesday. Officials said, 'A fresh batch of 3,536 Yatris left Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu today in two escorted convoys for the Valley. The first convoy of 48 vehicles carrying 1,250 Yatris left at 3.33 a.m. for Baltal base camp, while the second convoy of 84 vehicles carrying 2,286 Yatris left at 4.06 a.m. for Pahalgam base camp." 'There is a huge rush of yatris as thousands of pilgrims daily report from different parts of the country at twin base camps to undertake the Yatra,' the officials said. Bhumi Pujan of 'Chhari Mubarak' (Lord Shiva's Holy) was performed at Pahalgam on July 10. The Chhari Mubarak was taken to Pahalgam by a group of seers led by the sole custodian of the Chhari Mubarak, Mahant Swami Deependra Giri, from its seat at the Dashnami Akhara Building in Srinagar to Pahalgam. In Pahalgam, the Chhari Mubarak was taken to the Gauri Shankar temple, where the Bhumi Pujan was held. The Chhari Mubarak was then taken back to its seat at the Dashnami Akhara building. It will start its final journey towards the cave shrine from Dashnami Akhara temple in Srinagar on August 4 and will reach the holy cave shrine on August 9, marking the official conclusion of the Yatra. Authorities have made extensive multi-tier security arrangements for this year's Amarnath Yatra, as this takes place after the cowardly attack of April 22 in which Pakistan-backed terrorists killed 26 civilians after segregating them based on faith in the Baisaran meadow of Pahalgam. Additional 180 companies of CAPFs have been brought in to augment the existing strength of the Army, BSF, CRPF, SSB and the local police. The Army has deployed over 8,000 special commandos to secure the passage of the pilgrims this year. Yatra started on July 3 and will end after 38 days on August 9, coinciding with Shravan Purnima and Raksha Bandhan. Yatris approach the holy cave shrine situated 3888 metres above sea level in the Kashmir Himalayas either from the traditional Pahalgam route or the shorter Baltal route. Those using the Pahalgam route pass through Chandanwari, Sheshnag and Panchtarni to reach the cave shrine, covering a distance of 46 km on foot. This trek takes a pilgrim four days to get to the cave shrine. And, those using the shorter Baltal route have to trek 14 km to reach the cave shrine and return to the base camp the same day after having darshan. No helicopter services are available to Yatris this year due to security reasons. The cave shrine houses an ice stalagmite structure that wanes and waxes with the phases of the moon. Devotees believe that the ice stalagmite structure symbolises the mythical powers of Lord Shiva.
NDTV
2 days ago
- Politics
- NDTV
"Justice Must Prevail": Families Of Mumbai Blasts Victims Demand CBI Probe
Mumbai: Hours after the Bombay High Court acquitted all 12 men convicted in the 2006 Mumbai train blasts case, families of the victims on Monday voiced strong concerns and demanded a fresh investigation, urging the Centre to hand over the case to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The victims questioned the integrity of the initial investigation and called for accountability, expressing fear that justice may have been denied to the 189 people who lost their lives and over 800 who were injured in the devastating attack. Speaking to IANS, Radhe Shyam Dubey, one of the injured in the blast, said, "There must be a proper re-investigation. The CBI should take over the case. Those responsible should not be allowed to go free. There seems to be serious collusion in this matter. I urge the government to act - this case should go to the Supreme Court. Around seven coordinated blasts happened that day. So many families were destroyed. We deserve answers. Justice delayed cannot mean justice denied." He added, "There have been irregularities from the start. Kirit Somaiya led the charge back then, but now it's unclear what happened. The truth must come out, and justice must prevail." Another family member of one of the victims said, "This is heartbreaking. If they were truly guilty, they should not walk free. We are confused. We don't fully understand what changed in the case. If the High Court found them innocent, we have to respect that, but it still leaves us with unanswered questions." The Bombay High Court's verdict, delivered by a bench comprising Justice Anil Kilor and Justice S.G. Chandak, has overturned the 2015 decision of a special MCOCA court, which had convicted 12 men - sentencing five to death and seven to life imprisonment. With Monday's order, the High Court directed the immediate release of the 12 accused, stating that the prosecution had failed to prove the charges beyond a reasonable doubt. Out of the 13 men originally arrested, one - Dr. Wahid Sheikh - was acquitted by the special court in 2015. The remaining 12 have now been exonerated as well. The 2006 blasts - one of the worst terror attacks in Mumbai's history - occurred during evening rush hour on July 11. In a span of 11 minutes, seven bombs exploded in pressure cookers hidden inside bags across local trains travelling between Churchgate and Borivali, killing 189 people and injuring 824. Forensic investigations had confirmed that the bombs were composed of RDX and ammonium nitrate, raising suspicions of cross-border terrorism. The Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) had filed a chargesheet under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), alleging involvement of Pakistan-backed Islamic militants.
